Female Soldier shows strength, makes history

Photo By Sgt. Shantelle Campbell | Spc. Kevarica Roseboro of Great Falls, S.C., and a Standard Army Maintenance Systems – 2nd Level Enhanced clerk with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 701st Brigade Support Battalion, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division out of Fort Riley, Kan., became the first female from her battalion to complete and pass the Iron Dragon Fitness Challenge since it began in Iraq in November 2009.  

TIKRIT, IRAQ

03.27.2010

Story by Spc. Shantelle Campbell 

4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division

TIKRIT, Iraq — As the Soldiers of the 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, first infantry Division out of Fort Riley, Kan., celebrate Women's History Month in Iraq, one of their own female Soldiers was showing her strength, and making some history of her own.

Spc. Kevarcia Roseboro, a Standard Army Maintenance Systems — 2nd Level Enhanced clerk with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 701st Brigade Support Battalion, said her biggest competition in life is herself.

"I like to challenge myself because you can easily go into competition with other people but when you're doing it against yourself, it really is a competition," said the Great Falls, S.C., native. "You really don't know your strength until you put yourself to the test."

After crossing the finish line of the Iron Dragon Fitness Challenge, March 20, at Contingency Operating Base Speicher, Roseboro became the first female of her battalion and the brigade to not only complete the challenge but to be named an "Iron Dragon," since it began in Iraq in November of last year.

Roseboro said the support of her leadership and family was what kept her going throughout the test.

"I have a lot of support from people in my unit from my [non-commissioned officers] and the officers I work for," she said. "They're really pushing me, and I really appreciate them being there for me. Also, my family ... They're really proud of me, and they're always [encouraging] me."

With only two years in the military, Roseboro has already blazed an impressive trail for others to follow. After checking the Iron Dragon off her list of things to accomplish, she has set her sights on passing the Sgt. Audey Murphy Board and then, the promotion board.

"In today's time, you don't see a lot of NCOs [who] actually lead like they should be," Roseboro said. "I had a real bad experience when I first came in; so, my goal is to [become an NCO] and be the best leader I can be."

Roseboro said that if she decides to make a career out of the Army, she plans on becoming a command sergeant major but in the mean time, she will be working on finishing school and making a better life for her 7-year-old son, Kamauri.

"In everything I do, I always thank God first and then, I think about my son," she said. "Everything I do, I do to pave a way for him and the more I do, [the closer I get] to where I need to be in life and the better life will be for him."

• Date Taken: 03.27.2010
• Date Posted: 03.28.2010 09:40
• Story ID: 47339
• Location: TIKRIT, IQ